It was spring but felt like a cold autumn day as members of the public, as well as representatives from the island’s three land conservation groups, gathered at the end of Conservancy Day to honor the work that had been done in the past year.

Barbara MacMullan, of The Land Trust, praised this year’s Bayberry Wreath honoree, Tracy Heinz, at the Narragansett Inn by saying “She’s working with the next generation of conservation leaders.” Heinz is the head teacher at the Early Learning Center and for the past 18 years has been integrating the importance of the natural environment into her classroom in a most organic way.

Michael Schroeder, publisher of The Block Island Times, said that “we’re very proud and thrilled to be able to present the Bayberry Wreath every year and to build on the successes that we’ve had. Without the dedication and ongoing education of so many, we wouldn’t be able to continue this work.”

Heinz, on accepting the award, said, “I am truly honored, and glad and proud, that I live in a community where conservation plays such an important part.” She also took a moment to celebrate her father, Denny Heinz, who was celebrating a birthday that day.

“I want to thank him for starting me on my love for the outdoors,” she said.